Synopsis:November 1984. Hohenschonhausen Detention Center. A prisoner is
suspected of having helped a friend flee the country. State Security
Captain Gerd Wiesler (ULRICH MUHE) interrogates him efficiently and
mercilessly, using an arsenal of means to pressure the man, including
sleep deprivation. Wiesler has his interrogation tape-recorded for use
as an example in the classes he teaches at the College of the State
Security (Stasi).

Lieutenant Colonel Anton Grubitz (ULRICH TUKUR), a former classmate
of Wiesler's who now heads the Culture Department at the State Security,
invites Wiesler to accompany him to the premiere of the new play by
Georg Dreyman (SEBASTIAN KOCH). Minister Bruno Hempf (THOMAS THIEME) is
also attending the performance. Afterwards, at the premiere party, Hempf
cannot seem to take his eyes off the attractive lead actress
Christa-Maria Sieland (MARTINA GEDECK), Dreyman's girlfriend.